Want to be a pilot? British Airways opens fully funded training for 160 people

British Airways has opened applications for its fully funded pilot training programme, offering up to 160 places this year and covering training costs of around ₹1 crore per candidate.

The airline said it has committed £18 million, roughly ₹190 crore, towards the initiative, which aims to make pilot training more accessible by removing one of the biggest barriers to entry: cost.

Training cost fully covered

The programme, known as the Speedbird Pilot Academy, will cover the full cost of training, typically around £100,000, or close to ₹1 crore per candidate. Successful applicants will also move into flying roles with the airline after completing their training.

British Airways said the initiative is part of a broader effort to open up aviation careers to a wider pool of candidates, including those who may not have been able to afford training otherwise.

Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways, said the programme is designed to expand access to the profession.

“The Speedbird Pilot Academy is an investment not just in British Airways, but in the future of UK aviation,” he said. “By removing the costs, we are opening the opportunity up to more people.”

High interest, low awareness

The airline cited research by YouGov which found that 24% of UK adults would have considered becoming a pilot if training costs were fully covered.

At the same time, awareness remains limited, with 87% of respondents saying they were not aware of any fully funded pilot training programmes, highlighting a gap between interest and access.

Who can apply

Applications opened on April 14 and will close on April 23, according to the airline. Candidates must be aged between 17 and 58 at the time of application and at least 18 when training begins.

Applicants are required to have six GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including Maths, English and a science subject, along with a valid passport that allows international travel.

Selected candidates will train with British Airways’ approved partners before progressing towards operational roles in the cockpit.

Growing pipeline for future pilots

British Airways said the programme is also aimed at strengthening its long-term pilot pipeline, as airlines globally focus on attracting and training new talent.

Simon Cheadle, Director of Flight Operations, said the scheme helps reach candidates who may not have otherwise considered aviation careers.

Former trainee Josh Bailey said the programme made it possible to pursue a career that would otherwise have been financially out of reach.

With strong demand expected again this year, the programme highlights how fully funded training models could reshape access to aviation careers, particularly for candidates deterred by high upfront costs.

For Indian aspirants, where pilot training can often cost upwards of ₹80 lakh to ₹1.2 crore, such programmes offer a rare opportunity to enter the profession without financial burden.